Kimberling City Area Recycling CenterThe Three R’s: Reduce, Reuse and RecycleTips on reducing waste and conserving resources.

The three R’s – reduce and recycle – all help to cut down on the amount of waste we throw away. They conserve natural

**NOTICE**

Due to inclement weather (ice, snow, thunderstorms, excessive heat, etc.), the recycling center may not open or may close early without notice.

Thank you for your cooperation.

resources, landfill space and energy.

Plus, the three R’s save land and money that communities use to dispose of waste into landfills. Creating a new landfill has become a difficult process and more expensive due to the environmental regulations and public opposition.

Missouri has a goal of reducing the amount of waste that goes into landfills by 40 percent. Everyone can help meet this goal.

Reduce

The best way to manage waste is to not produce it. This can be done by shopping carefully and being aware of a few guidelines:

Buy products in bulk. Larger, economy sized products or ones in concentrated form use less packaging and usually cost less per ounce.

Avoid over-packaged goods, especially ones packed with several materials such as foil, paper and plastic. They are difficult to recycle, plus you pay more for the package.

Avoid disposable goods, such as paper plates, cups, napkins, razors and lighters. Throwaways contribute to the problem, and cost more because they must be replaced again and again.

Reuse products for the same purpose. Save paper and plastic bags, and repair broken appliances, furniture and toys.

Reuse products in different ways. Use a coffee can to pack a lunch; use a plastic microwave dinner trays as picnic dishes.

Sell old clothes, appliances, toys and furniture in garage sales or ads, or donate them to charity.

Use resealable containers rather than plastic wrap.

Recycle

Recycling is a series of steps that takes a used material and processes, re-manufactures, and sells it as a new product. Begin recycling at home and at work:

Buy products made from recycled materials. Look for the recycling symbol or ask store managers for salesman for assistance. The recycling symbol means on or two things – either the product is made of recycled materials, or the item can be recycled. For instance, many plastic containers have a recycling symbol with a numbered code that identifies what type of plastic resin it is made from. However, just because the container has this code does not mean it can be easily recycled locally.

Check collection centers and curbside pickup services to see what they accept and begin collecting these materials. These can include metal cans, newspapers, paper products, glass, plastic and oil.

Consider purchasing recycled materials at work when purchasing materials for the office supply cabinet, office equipment or manufacturing.

Items MUST be clean – no food, etc. All metal and plastic containers must be rinsed with water.